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Thread: Autocross Build: Secrets of the Mirage

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    Autocross Build: Secrets of the Mirage

    Found this super cool Mirage autocross build with a lots of details and insights, titled: Secrets of the Mirage: http://drivefast.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2932
    In case the link doesn’t work, search: secrets of the mirage - fast forum

    Also found the owner’s corresponding youtube channel showing his Mirage in action: https://www.youtube.com/user/lorensw...able_polymer=1
    In case the link doesn’t work, search: loren williams 2015 mirage fast autocross youtube

    Enjoy!

    PS Just wondering, is Loren Williams a member of this forum… wouldn’t that be great!



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    Moderator Eggman's Avatar
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    A squealing tire is a happy tire.

    Looks like Loren really has taken his racing Mirage to another level. Bravo!

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)


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    Where's the leak ma'am? Marklovski's Avatar
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    Good to see those Godspeed coilovers doing some work!
    Fuel Log: Good enough
    Instagram: @zoras_sapphire

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    Administrator Daox's Avatar
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    Very cool thread. His custom sway bar is fairly similar to my design.
    Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block

    Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member Subcompact Culture's Avatar
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    I'm actually friends with Loren. (He used to have a Yaris.) He was a big influence in me getting a Mirage and I've been watching his Mirage build closely. He knows his stuff!

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    Still Plays With Cars Loren's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by devi108 View Post
    is Loren Williams a member of this forum… wouldn’t that be great!
    I am now!

    My spidey senses were tingling. (actually, I got a PM from Andy on Facebook)

    Quote Originally Posted by Eggman View Post
    Looks like Loren really has taken his racing Mirage to another level. Bravo!
    Thanks! I'm trying.

    Quote Originally Posted by Marklovski View Post
    Good to see those Godspeed coilovers doing some work!
    For $600, I really can't complain so far. (though I did fit different front bumpstops, replace the inoperable camber plates with custom caster plates, and am probably running the car an inch taller than most would)

    Quote Originally Posted by Daox View Post
    Very cool thread. His custom sway bar is fairly similar to my design.
    The hell you say? (and thank you) I skimmed this forum for ideas, as well as looking at the design of the commonly available aftermarket piece. Also found photos of a BROKEN one and opted to make my brackets MUCH beefier. So far, it's holding up well for a part that breaks all the rules. (using standard roll bar grade chrome moly tubing, welding and not heat-treating, etc.)

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    Daox (05-01-2018)

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    Quote Originally Posted by Loren View Post
    probably running the car an inch taller than most would
    This doesn't surprise me as the McPherson strut setup really doesn't like lowering. I remember the Shine racing setup for MkIV VWs which was one of the best in the world for those cars actually RAISED the front a bit!

    Looking forward to having you here on the forum sir.
    Resident Tire Engineer

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 44.4 mpg (US) ... 18.9 km/L ... 5.3 L/100 km ... 53.3 mpg (Imp)


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    Still Plays With Cars Loren's Avatar
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    Yeah, once you start looking at roll centers and roll couple... the numbers are a lot better with 6" ground clearance than they are with even 5.5". That simple tidbit that you always hear about "the control arms should be level" is 100% true! You don't realize what a difference it makes until you actually make the change independent from other changes.

    In my case, I lowered the car, which screwed up the control arm angle, and put my roll center below ground. (which sounds good until you realize that it just added more leverage to the weight of the car when it tries to roll into a turn) And then I fixed it with a modified control arm and 1.5" taller ball joint. So, when I fixed the problem, I got to feel the effect of JUST fixing the roll center. Night and day.



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